The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 is intended to promote a culture of openness, by giving you the right of access to recorded information held by this office.

The Act encourages the public to gain a better understanding of how organisations carry out their functions and how money is spent by accessing information that they hold.

Any person or organisation has, under the above Act, the right to request any information from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Whilst there are some exemptions, you are entitled to:

  1. Be informed in writing whether the information you require is held
  2. Be given the information if it is held by the office

Before you make a request, please search this website as the information you require may already be available.

More information

Requests for information must

  • Be received in writing (email requests are acceptable)
  • State the name of the applicant
  • Include an address for correspondence
  • Describe the information requested

You will need to provide as much information as you can along with your contact details. The information may be however subject to certain exemptions defined in the Act. Some exemptions may permit the Commissioner to withhold some or all of the information you have requested.

The Commissioner is obliged to respond to your request within 20 working days. In other circumstances, where more time is required to coordinate a response, you will be informed of those timescales which in all circumstances will be appropriate and reasonable.

There is a charge for searching for information which is set out in the Regulations. Requests anticipated to cost at least £450 may be refused, although the Commissioner must still confirm whether or not the information is held.

The Commissioner's office has a duty to provide advice and assistance to help you informally if, for example, you are visually impaired. We will, where appropriate, interpret information into other languages. The Commissioner can also transfer your request to another body where it is believed that organisation holds the information or can provide contact details.

If you do require any further assistance or for more information, please visit our Contact page.

Records

The Commissioner's team logs the Freedom of Information requests received by the office and details how they have been handled.

Freedom of Information log

Merseyside Police

Find out more about accessing information from Merseyside Police, including making a Freedom of Information request:

Accessing information from Merseyside Police